As part of an initiative to enforce the Digital Services Act (DSA) the European Commission (EC) is launching a new age verification app to strengthen online child security.
European Union (EU) member states France, Spain, Italy, Denmark and Greece will test the age verification app, which is based on the same technical framework as the European Digital Identity Wallet set for rollout in 2026. The five participating countries can tailor the service to local requirements by either integrating it into national apps or deploying it as a standalone tool.
In the prototype app, the verification process involves users obtaining anonymous proof of age from trusted sources such as national eID or passports before accessing online services. The testing phase aims to adapt the solution using input from platforms and users, with plans to introduce additional proof of age issuance methods in future updates.
The EC outlined plans to scale the service to additional member states, working in coordination with national authorities and digital services coordinators.
The EU watchdog also presented additional guidelines for the protection of minors online to encourage compliance with the DSA. These focus on curbing addictive design features, cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content and unwanted contact from strangers. Platforms were further advised to give young users more control over algorithmic recommendations and reduce reliance on behavioural data to prevent exposure to unwanted content.
“Platforms have no excuse to be continuing practices that put children at risk”, stated EU tech policy lead Henna Virkkunen.
The move follows rising global concern over child safety online. Earlier this year, Texas joined a growing number of US states in tightening online child security by mandating age limits on Apple and Google’s app stores, while Australia introduced a national ban on social media access for under 16s in late 2024.
Source: Mobile World Live
Image Credit: Stock Image
